Evaluation of leaf-derived extracts as an environmentally sustainable source of essential oils by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and enantioselective gas chromatography-olfactometry

In consideration of the world's present environmental situation and the threat of species extinction, investigations concerning alternative sustainable sources of natural substances represent an extremely important issue. In this respect, the present research is focused on the analytical evaluation of Brazilian rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) leaves, as an alternative source (with respect to wood) of rosewood essential oil and, as such, of natural linalool, which is extensively used in perfumery. Enantioselective-gas chromatography-olfactometry (Es-GC-O) was used as a tool for the simultaneous stereodifferentiation and olfactive evaluation of the volatile optically active components present in the analyzed samples. In addition to Es-GC-O analyses, direct olfactive analyses were also performed, enabling the evaluation of the global aroma exerted by each sample and the influence of each linalool antipode, as also other minor compounds. The samples were also submitted to gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis, thus establishing their chemical profiles. The assessment of enantiopure chiral compounds through Es-GC-O, along with direct olfactive analyses, confirmed that the leaves are a potential substituent for wood in the extraction of Brazilian rosewood essential oil, representing a sustainable nonwood source of natural linalool.     

Determination of a sulfur-containing drug in human plasma by an improved method for sulfur chemiluminescence detection in combination with capillary gas chromatography

An improved method for sulfur chemiluminescence detection in combination with capillary gas chromatography was established. The method was applied to the analysis of a sulfur-containing antiasthma drug, S-1452, and its nine metabolities in human plasma. The high selectivity and sensitivity of the method allowed accurate quantitation of trace levels of these compounds in human plasma with no interferences from the biological components present. To enable stable measurements and maintain reproducibility over a long period, the performance characteristics of a commercially available instrument were investigated. The gas seal in the injection port was found to easily corrode through interaction of the sulfur analyte with the metal gas seal. To prevent this, a disk made from an alloy of platinum and gold (60:40) was mounted on the gas seal. The reproducibility of the measurement was improved remarkably by using the disk. The use of compressed air of high purity significantly lowered the signal-to-noise ratio. The optical filter was kept clean by using a nickel catalyst to trap ozone in place of copper manganese oxide (CuMn2O4). These improvements raised the sensitivity and selectivity with the lower quantitation limits of 0.5-1.0 ng/mL in human plasma.     

Determination of photoionization cross-sections of different organic molecules using gas chromatography coupled to single-photon ionization (SPI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) with an electron-beam-pumped rare gas excimer light source (EBEL): influence of molecular structure and analytical implications

This work describes a fast and reliable method for determination of photoionization cross-sections (PICS) by means of gas chromatography (GC) coupled to single-photon ionization mass spectrometry (SPI-MS). Photoionization efficiency (PIE) data for 69 substances was obtained at a photon energy of 9.8 ± 0.4 eV using an innovative electron-beam-pumped rare gas excimer light source (EBEL) filled with argon. The investigated analytes comprise 12 alkylbenzenes as well as 11 other substituted benzenes, 23 n-alkanes, ten polyaromatic hydrocarbons, seven aromatic heterocycles, and six polyaromatic heterocycles. Absolute PICS for each substance at 9.8 eV are calculated from the relative photoionization efficiencies of the compounds with respect to benzene, whose photoionization cross-section data is well known. Furthermore, a direct correlation between the type of benzene substituents and their absolute PICS is presented and discussed in depth. Finally, comparison of previously measured photoionization cross-sections for 20 substances shows good agreement with the data of the present work.